Cataract Awareness Month

With cataracts being one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, we take time each June during Cataract Awareness Month to discuss cataracts, ways to treat them and ways to prevent them.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens that prevents light from coming into the eye. If light cannot enter, then the lens can’t focus images onto the retina or transmit images to the brain! Because of this, vision may become blurry and impact your eyesight quality. Over half of Americans may be impacted by cataracts by the time they are 80 years old, so understanding prevention and treatment options are important!

Because cataracts usually start to develop later in life, it’s important to take preventative measures early on to preserve your eyesight. While no studies have proven how to prevent or slow the progression of cataracts, doctors believe several strategies could help. This includes having regular eye exams, wearing sunglasses, filling your diet with fruits and vegetables and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use.

There are several different types of cataracts that can be treated that can be treated primarily by cataract surgery. Bonner Eye and Dr. Mariano are able to offer modern surgical techniques, intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, and same day surgery to make treating cataract treatment safe, fast, and effective. Procedures are generally quick and have a short recovery time. You will notice significant improvement in your vision soon after the surgery is completed.

If you notice yourself experiencing blurred or double vision, ghost images, vision impacted by strong light or can visibly see a milky or yellow spot on your pupil, it may be time to make an appointment with your eye doctor. Bonner Eye is happy to answer any of your cataract related questions or schedule an appointment! Contact us at (218) 326-3433 or online.